Ribeiro also took to Facebook to add, "The world has lost a truly special man. I am very saddened to say that James Avery has passed. Even though he played my father on TV, he was a wonderful father figure to me in life. He will be deeply missed."

Will Smith, who played Uncle Phil's wayward nephew, is yet to release a public statement, but his wife Jada Pinkett Smith has taken to her official Facebook page to say: "We have lost yet another friend. James Avery who we all lovingly know as Uncle Phil from The Fresh Prince has passed. Our condolences to aunt Florence (his mother), Miss Barbara (his wife) and all those who loved him. Rest in peace James."

James Avery is best known for his role as patriarch Uncle Phil in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which ran for six seasons between 1990 and 1996, but he also starred in numerous films and TV shows including Grey's Anatomy, Dr. Dolittle and That '70s Show.

Avery will also appear in upcoming Zach Braff comedy Wish I Was Here, which is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival later this month.